This article explains what you see while a run is in progress on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, how to pause and end a run, and how Burst Timers alerts you when a period changes. For Apple Watch, see Burst Timers on Apple Watch.
The Running Screen
- Segment X of Y: which work period you're on, out of the total.
- Countdown: the label, icon, and time left in the current period, inside a ring that empties as the period runs out.
- Background: tinted with the color of the current period, so you can tell work from rest at a glance.
- Up Next: the next period and how long it lasts. During the final period, it shows Last Period instead.
- Progress bar: every period of the run, filling in as time passes.
While a run is in progress on iPhone and iPad, the screen stays on so you can keep an eye on the countdown.
Pausing and Resuming
Press the large pause button below the countdown. While paused, the countdown shows Paused. Press the button again to resume from where you left off.
Ending a Run Early
Press the X button at the top of the screen, then confirm with End Run. You return to the main screen with your values unchanged.
When the Run Is Complete
When the last period ends, Burst Timers shows All timers complete and the total time. Choose Restart to do the same run again, or Done to return to the main screen.
Alerts at Each Change
Burst Timers lets you know every time a work or rest period starts, and when the run is complete:
- Sounds: a different sound for work, rest, and the end of the run, on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Turn them on or off with Play Sounds in Settings. On iPhone and iPad, sounds play even when Silent Mode is on, and mix with music or podcasts instead of stopping them.
- Haptics: on iPhone, a strong tap when work starts, a soft tap when rest starts, and a success haptic at the end, while Burst Timers is on screen.
- In the background: on iPhone, when Burst Timers isn't on screen or your iPhone is locked, the Live Activity lights up the screen and plays the sound instead. See Live Activities and the Dynamic Island.
- VoiceOver: the label of each new period is announced.
Changes to Play Sounds and other Settings apply from the next run you start.
Rest After Last Segment
By default, a rest period follows every work period, including the last one, which is useful as a cooldown. To finish the run as soon as the last work period ends, turn off Rest After Last Segment in Settings. The total on the main screen updates to match.
Keyboard Shortcuts on iPhone and iPad
With a hardware keyboard connected:
- ⌘ Return: start a run
- Space: pause or resume
- Escape: end the run (you'll be asked to confirm)
- Return: choose Done when the run is complete
For Mac shortcuts, see Burst Timers on Mac.
Leaving the App During a Run
The timer follows the clock, so it stays accurate while you use other apps. When you come back, Burst Timers catches up to the correct period and time.
A run doesn't survive the app being closed from the App Switcher or quit. If that happens, start a new run.